1. Mercury Hotspots in Indonesia
ASGM sites: Poboya and Sekotong in Indonesia
IPEN Mercury-Free Campaign Report
Prepared by
BaliFokus (Indonesia)
Arnika Association (Czech Republic)
IPEN Heavy Metals Working Group
3 January 2013

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Mercury Hotspots in Indonesia
ASGM sites: Poboya and Sekotong in Indonesia
IPEN Mercury-Free Campaign Report
Prepared by
Yuyun Ismawati - BaliFokus (Indonesia)
Jindrich Petrlik - Arnika Association (Czech Republic)
Joe DiGangi - IPEN
3 January 2013
Photo credits:
Top right : Fish sold in the local market in Poboya, Palu by WALHI Central Sulawesi.
Top left : Amalgam burned in Sekotong by Kemal Jufri for the New York Times.
Bottom left : Poboya Block-A ASGM site by Yuyun Ismawati/BaliFokus.

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ASGM sites: Poboya and Sekotong in Indonesia
IPEN Mercury-Free Campaign Report
Prepared by BaliFokus (Indonesia) and Arnika Association (Czech Republic) and the
IPEN Heavy Metals Working Group
Denpasar – 3 January 2013
Introduction
In 2009, the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP GC)
decided to develop a global legally binding instrument on mercury to reduce risks to human
health and the environment (UNEP GC25/5). The UNEP GC noted that mercury is a
substance of global concern due to its long-range transport, persistence, ability to
bioaccumulate, and toxicity. Its conclusions were based in part on the 2002 UNEP Global
Mercury Assessment which noted that mercury is present in fish all over the globe at levels
that adversely affect humans and wildlife (UNEP 2002).. In humans, hair is widely accepted
as a matrix for reliable estimations of the body burden of methylmercury, which likely comes
from eating fish (Grandjean, Weihe et al. 1998); (Harada, Nakachi et al. 1999); (Knobeloch,
Gliori et al. 2007); (Myers, Davidson et al. 2000).
This report focuses on two sites of Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in
Poboya and Sekotong, Indonesia. We examined levels of mercury in hair of population living
and working at both ASGM sites to confirm the trace of mercury used in gold extraction
process in human hair from these two locations. In addition, since local mercury releases
become global problems due to long range transport we considered how the draft treaty text
will address ASGM sites such as the two selected for this study in Indonesia.
ASGM hot spots in Indonesia
ASGM hotspots in Indonesia have doubled in the last six years due to the high price of gold.
As gold traders increased their investments in many places, the amount of elemental mercury
traded illegally also increased. In 2010, about 280 tonnes of illegal mercury was imported to
Indonesia for ASGM. This figure was doubled in 2011 (Ismawati 2011). Gold recovery
processes that use mercury for amalgamation in ball-mills are easily found in almost all
Indonesia’s ASGM hot spots including in residential areas in Sekotong village and in the
Poboya area in Palu.
The first hotspot chosen for this report is Poboya, Palu City, Central Sulawesi Province. It is
located located in a grand forest park, about 12.5 km from northeast part of Palu, the capital
city of Central Sulawesi Province, about 190-300 meter above the sea level. The mining and
processing areas spread out in four villages: Poboya, Kawatuna, Tanamodindi dan Lasoani
involving about 35,000 miners and more than 200 ball-mills plants. See also map at Figure 2.
Another hotspot chosen for this report is Sekotong, a famous site for surfers and tourists
located about 28.7 km, southwest part of Mataram City, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara
Province, about 50-200 meter above the sea level. The mining and gold processing areas
spread out in three villages within the Sekotong Sub-District areas: Buwun Mas, Kerato,
Pelangan Village, with approximately 20 hot spots, involving about 5,000 miners and about
100 ball-mills plants. Figure 3 shows the location of Sekotong hotspot.

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Figure 1. ASGM hotspots in Indonesia 2006-2010. Source: (Ismawati 2010).

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Figure 2. Location of Poboya hot-spot, Palu City, Central Sulawesi
Figure 3. Location of Sekotong hotspot, in West Lombok Regency area, West Nusa Tenggara
Materials and methods
BaliFokus conducted sampling of human hair at both selected ASGM sites using protocols
developed by IPEN (2011). Twenty hair samples were taken in total for this study, 10 in
Poboya area and 10 in Sekotong. Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) measured mercury
levels (total mercury content = THg) in hair samples in their laboratory in Gorham, Maine,
USA. BaliFokus characterized the site and provided information about its history and
presumptive mercury sources.
Results and discussion
In Sekotong Village almost every household has their own ball-mills unit, located at the
backyard or near the rice field, to process the ore which operates all day long without personal
protection equipment. While in Poboya, Palu, the ball-mills plants are concentrated in some
clusters and release very high mercury vapor to the air and the environment (Serikawa, Inoue
et al. 2011); (Ismawati and Gita 2011). In both hot spots, the mercury-contaminated tailings

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are either processed further in the cyanide leaching plant or disposed directly into rivers.
More information about both hot spots is summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: Summarized information about size of ASGM activities in Poboya and Sekotong
hotspots, Indonesia.
Hot spot Villages Miners Area in hectares Ball-mills
Poboya 4 (Poboya, Kawatuna, Tanamodindi, Lasoani) 35,000 7,000 20,000
Sekotong 3 (Buwun Mas, Kerato, Pelangan) 5,000 1,200 100
The most heavily polluted sites are in Poboya located in the hilly area. Mercury was
introduced here in 2004 by a particular trader who taught the villagers to add three drops of
mercury in the final panning process. In 2008, the ball-mill process introduced by miners
from North Sulawesi to process the ore in bigger volume which runs for four hours, 3-4 times
within 24 hours. About 300-500 g of mercury is added to each unit every 4 hours. Under the
assumption that all ball-mills operate at least once a day, and about 20-50 grams of mercury
will be released to the environment to produce one gram of gold, at least about 200-500 kg of
mercury is released to the environment per day or approximately 73 - 183 tonnes of mercury
per year.a
The ASGM activities in Sekotong area, which was started 5 years ago, are less intense
compared to the Poboya site. About 100 small ball-mill units are operated by the local
villagers in the backyards of their houses and near the rice fields. For more data comparing
both hot spots see Table 1.
Table 2 shows the levels of mercury (Hg) in hair samples from both chosen sites and
summary of all samples taken in Indonesia for this report.
Table 2: Mercury content in hair samples from Poboya and Sekotong, two sites in Indonesia
Sample
Size
Hg Average
(ppm)
St Dev Min Hg
(ppm)
Max Hg
(ppm)
Reference
dose (ppm)b
Fraction of
samples
over Ref.
Dose
All hair samples 20 4.32 3.28 0.82 13.30 1.00 95%
Poboya 10 5.01 4.47 0.82 13.30 1.00 90%
Sekotong 10 3.63 1.28 1.85 6.05 1.00 100%
Abbreviations: Hg, mercury; ppm, parts per million or mg/kg; st dev, std deviation; min, minimum; max,
maximum
Results presented in Table 2 show that average mercury level in all 20 hair samples is more
than 3-times higher than the US EPA reference dose of 1 ppm. The maximum mercury value
observed in the hair samples from Poboya exceeded the US EPA reference dose by more than
thirteen-fold. Only one sample among all 20 was below the US EPA reference dose. All 10
samples from Sekotong exceeded the reference dose.
a
Calculation based on the interview (Ismawati, Y. (2011). Interviews with importers and ASGM workers by Yuyun
Ismawati.)
b
U.S. EPA’s RfD is associated with a blood mercury concentration of 4-5 μg/L and a hair mercury concentration
of approximately 1μg/g.” US EPA (1997). Mercury study report to Congress, Volume IV, An assessment of
exposure to mercury in the United States. EPA-452/R-97-006: 293.

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Levels of mercury in hair observed in this study are within range estimated by Castilhos,
Rodrigues-Filho et al. (2006) for hair of inhabitants living in other gold mining areas in
Indonesia. In comparison with levels of total mercury observed in hair of group of workers
from mining areas in Sekotong and Sekarbela in recently published study (Krisnayanti,
Anderson et al. 2012) we observed lower levels. We believe that main reason for this
difference is that the group of volunteers in our study represents rather mixed local population
and includes by majority other occupations than miners. Krisnayanti, Anderson et al. (2012)
found mean level of THg 7.72 ppm and range of 0.805 - 52.500 ppm in hair of mine workers
exposed to mercury from Sekotong and Sekarbela. Bose-O’Reilly, Drasch et al. (2010) have
observed even higher levels of total mercury in hair of workers exposed to mercury from
amalgamation process for North Sulawesi and Central Kalimantan.
Indonesian ASGM sites were found to be most seriously polluted by mercury in study
comparing situation in different countries by Baeuml, Bose-O’Reilly et al. (2011). The
highest median mercury hair levels were found in Zimbabwe and Indonesia-Sulawesi (3.09
μg/g) in that study, while the highest maximum mercury hair levels were found in Indonesia-
Kalimantan (792 μg/g) among 167 samples and Indonesia-Sulawesi (239 μg/g) among 99
samples.
High levels of mercury in the vicinity of ASGM facilities were not only observed in human
hair, but also measured in the air. Mercury levels in the outside air near the Poboya ball-mill
plants was as high as 45,000 ng/m3
and around the city of Palu levels were about 1,500-2,300
ng/m3
(Serikawa et al, 2011; Ismawati and Gita, 2011). Krisnayanti, Anderson et al. (2012)
also followed levels of Hg in rice in Sekotong and based on their findings concluded: “The
recorded methyl mercury values for Sekotong represent a potential threat to the health of local
residents.”
ASGM sites and the mercury treaty
The ASGM sites in Indonesia researched in this report as well as in other recent reports
showing confirmed levels of mercury in human hair from elevated to extremely high
(Castilhos, Rodrigues-Filho et al. 2006); (Bose-O'Reilly, Drasch et al. 2010); (Krisnayanti,
Anderson et al. 2012) provoke questions about how the mercury treaty might mandate actions
to eliminate mercury pollution of the environment and its harmful effects on human health at
ASGM sites.
ASGM is the single largest intentional use of mercury and causes extreme mercury pollution.
In areas where ASGM is practiced, it is recognized as a significant source of human exposure
to mercury, and contributes to high levels of methyl mercury pollution of fish in waterways
nearby and downstream of ASGM sites (Castilhos, Rodrigues-Filho et al. 2006); (Eisler
2004).
Mercury emissions from ASGM are the second largest source of global atmospheric mercury
pollution (UNEP Chemicals Branch 2008).However, considering its significance as a source,
there are very few mandatory controls on ASGM. For example, currently proposed
convention provisions will allow countries to import unlimited quantities of mercury for use
in ASGM with no phase-out date (UNEP (DTIE) 2012). c
In addition, the current treaty text
c
UNEP(DTIE)/Hg/INC.5/3; Article 9 para 5 “Each Party that is subject to the provisions of paragraph 3 of this Article and
determines that domestic sources of mercury are not available: a. May import mercury for use in artisanal and small-scale
mining consistent with its action plan developed in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article; and”

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(UNEP (DTIE) 2012) does not require Parties to even address ASGM if a country does not
admit it has ASGM or determines that it is not “more than insignificant”. Unfortunately, there
are no guidelines to determine “significance”. Finally, to address the mercury pollution
caused by ASGM in such sites as Poboya or Sekotong, funding and technical assistance will
be needed by developing and transition countries, to shift from mercury to non-mercury
methods and clean up the contaminated hotspots. However, since the treaty links compliance
with funding and action on contaminated sites is not obligatory, it is likely that no funding
will be available through the treaty’s financial mechanism to address contaminated sites left
after the gold mining closed or terminated.
Taken together, the current treaty text raises serious concerns over whether it will reduce
mercury emissions from ASGM, or even permit increased emissions after the treaty enters
into force. There is a strong need to address the restriction and phase out of mercury trade,
supply and distribution in ASGM sector. To prevent continuous mercury pollution caused by
using mercury in ASGM and to stop harm to communities settled around ASGM sites like
e.g. Poboya it is necessary to prevent further use and releases of mercury from the ASGM.
Until this problem is addressed, mercury will continue to harm people and ecosystems at both
local and global level.
Acknowledgements
BaliFokus, Arnika Association and IPEN gratefully acknowledge the financial support the
governments of Sweden and Switzerland, and others, as well as the technical support provide
by the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) to analyze the data. The content and views
expressed in this report, however, are those of the authors and IPEN and not necessarily the
views of the institutions providing financial and/or technical support.

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References
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"Human Biomonitoring Data from Mercury Exposed Miners in Six Artisanal Small-Scale Gold
Mining Areas in Asia and Africa." Minerals 1(1): 122-143.
Bose-O'Reilly, S., G. Drasch, C. Beinhoff, S. Rodrigues-Filho, G. Roider, B. Lettmeier, A. Maydl, S.
Maydl and U. Siebert (2010). "Health assessment of artisanal gold miners in Indonesia." Sci Total
Environ 408(4): 713-725.
Castilhos, Z. C., S. Rodrigues-Filho, A. P. C. Rodrigues, R. C. Villas-Bôas, S. Siegel, M. M. Veiga
and C. Beinhoff (2006). "Mercury contamination in fish from gold mining areas in Indonesia and
human health risk assessment." Science of The Total Environment 368(1): 320-325.
Eisler, R. (2004). "Mercury hazards from gold mining to humans, plants, and animals." Rev Environ
Contam Toxicol 181: 139-198.
Grandjean, P., P. Weihe, R. F. White and F. Debes (1998). "Cognitive Performance of Children
Prenatally Exposed to “Safe” Levels of Methylmercury." Environmental Research 77(2): 165-172.
Harada, M., S. Nakachi, T. Cheu, H. Hamada, Y. Ono, T. Tsuda, K. Yanagida, T. Kizaki and H. Ohno
(1999). "Monitoring of mercury pollution in Tanzania: relation between head hair mercury and
health." Science of The Total Environment 227(2–3): 249-256.
IPEN (2011). Standard Operating Procedure for Human Hair Sampling. Global Fish & Community
Mercury Monitoring Project, International POPs Elimination Network: 20.
Ismawati, Y. (2010). Policy Brief: ASGM in Indonesia. Denpasar, BaliFokus.
Ismawati, Y. (2011). Interviews with importers and ASGM workers by Yuyun Ismawati.
Ismawati, Y. and A. Gita (2011). Tracing the invisible hazards. Melacak bahaya tersembunyi. Lumex
sampling result conducted by BaliFokus. Denpasar, BaliFokus.
Knobeloch, L., G. Gliori and H. Anderson (2007). "Assessment of methylmercury exposure in
Wisconsin." Environmental Research 103(2): 205-210.
Krisnayanti, B. D., C. W. N. Anderson, W. H. Utomo, X. Feng, E. Handayanto, N. Mudarisna, H.
Ikram and Khususiah (2012). "Assessment of environmental mercury discharge at a four-year-old
artisanal gold mining area on Lombok Island, Indonesia." Journal of Environmental Monitoring
14(10): 2598-2607.
Myers, G. J., P. W. Davidson, C. Cox, C. Shamlaye, E. Cernichiari and T. W. Clarkson (2000).
"Twenty-Seven Years Studying the Human Neurotoxicity of Methylmercury Exposure."
Environmental Research 83(3): 275-285.
Serikawa, Y., T. Inoue, T. Kawakami, B. Cyio, I. Nur and R. Elvince (2011). Emission and Dispersion
of Gaseous Mercury from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Plants in the Poboya Area of Palu
City, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Presented at the 10th International Conference on Mercury as
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UNEP (2002). Global Mercury Assessment. Geneva, Switzerland, UNEP: 258.

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UNEP (DTIE) (2012). UNEP(DTIE)/Hg/INC.5/3: Draft text for a global legally binding instrument on
mercury. Chair’s draft text. Intergovernmental negotiating committee to prepare a global legally
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and Transport. Geneva, UNEP - Chemicals: 44.
US EPA (1997). Mercury study report to Congress, Volume IV, An assessment of exposure to
mercury in the United States. EPA-452/R-97-006: 293.

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Annex 1
ASGM sites: Poboya and Sekotong in Indonesia in Pictures
Figure 1. Poboya Block A mining site,
located inside the grand forest park
Poboya Paneki. Taken in November 2010.
Photo: Rini Sulaiman/YTS.
Figure 2. Poboya Block A mining site.
Taken in June 2011. More than 20,000
miners from different areas of Indonesia
work under the 40-100 meter deep shafts.
Photo: Yuyun Ismawati/BaliFokus.

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Figure 3. Poboya, Talise, Lasoani became sudden-gold-rush small towns
with all the associated social-economic and cross-cultural impacts.
Photo: Yuyun Ismawati/BaliFokus.
Figure 4. When the gold price was peaking up, more than 20,000 units of ball-mills
were working 24 hours. Less than 20 plants obtained business permits and
Environmental Impact Assessment reports from the Environmental Agency of Palu
City. In June 2011, mercury vapor in this area measured as high as 45,000 ng/m3
.
Photo: Yuyun Ismawati/BaliFokus.

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Figure 5. About 500 gram mercury are added to each ball-mill and mixed for 5 hours.
At the end of the process, the amalgam is formed and brought to the gold shop to be
burned. Photo: Yuyun Ismawati/BaliFokus.
Figure 6. Gold shop, simple amalgam burner and a baby.
Photo: Yuyun Ismawati/BaliFokus.

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Figure 7. Sekotong mining site, located on the hill above the Sekotong Bay,
a popular diving spot and tourism area.
Photo: Kemal Jufri/The New York Times, 7 July 2011.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/world/asia/08indo.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Figure 8. Water mixed with 400-500 gram of mercury is transferred to a bucket
after being processed in the cylinder-shaped rock-crushing machines.
Photo: Kemal Jufri/The New York Times, 7 July 2011.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/world/asia/08indo.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

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Figure 9. A young woman working in the ball-mills unit, exposed to mercury during the
process day and night. Most of the ball-mill units have no permit.
Photo: Baiq Dewi Krisnayanti.
Figure 10. Workers burn the crushed ore, which has been mixed with mercury, hoping
to capture flecks of gold. Mercury vapor would last in the air for 1-1.5 years.
Photo: Kemal Jufri/The New York Times, 7 July 2011.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/world/asia/08indo.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

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Figure 11. Fish seller in one of Poboya market. Photo: WALHI Sulawesi Tengah
Figure 12. Sekotong Bay and a harbor for local ferry to go to several small islands,
adjacent to the ball-mills unit in Sekotong. Photo: Armyn Gita/BaliFokus

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Figure 13. About 100-200 ball-mill units spread out in the Sekotong Village. Out of
3000 households, only a handful of houses are without ball-mills. Most ball-mills are
owned by investors, not by the locals, operated in profit-sharing basis.
Photo: Armyn Gita/BaliFokus
Figure 14. Tailings from one of the ball-mills unit in Sekotong flowed to the estuary.
Photo: Krishna Zaki/BaliFokus

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For further details, contact:
BaliFokus Foundation
Mandalawangi No.5
Jalan Tukad Tegalwangi, Sesetan
Denpasar 80223 - Bali
Indonesia
Phone/fax +62-361-233 520
Email: balifokus@balifokus.asia
www.balifokus.asia